Chucky: SirVocea Dennis A “Big Loss”

October 2nd, 2024

“Hey Todd, you better find bubble wrap for Lavonte David!”

So former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Chucky previewed Thursday’s Dixie Chicks-Bucs game.

Chucky is irked.

First, he admitted he would have gone ballistic if he was still Bucs head coach and learned this game would be on a Thursday night.

“I’d have been really ticked off if they made us play this game on a Thursday night,” Chucky barked. “I mean, I didn’t start getting the pep rally ready until Friday night.”

Chucky rattled off a bunch of numbers and it sounded, on paper, like this could be a very evenly matched game. Both teams have bad Thursday night records — Atlanta losing five of its last six on Thursday nights. Both have key injuries.

One Bucs injury seemed to worry Chucky: reserve linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who Chucky called a “nickel-linebacker.”

“That’s a big loss for the Buccaneers,” Chucky said.

Dennis this morning was placed on injured reserve. That means he is out at least four games. He blew up his shoulder in the win over the Eagles.

Joe tends to agree with Chucky. Dennis is going to be a bigger loss than just a reserve linebacker. Joe doesn’t think K.J. Britt is having a good year as a starter. Joe would even argue Dennis was threatening to take over his starting gig.

Inside linebacker is a very thin Bucs position. God forbid if anything happens to Lavonte David.

So Dennis being out — the guy is injury prone — might be worse than what it appears on the surface.

“This Joe” has a hunch the Bucs will be drafting an inside linebacker in the first round next spring.

63 Responses to “Chucky: SirVocea Dennis A “Big Loss””

  1. Bobby Says:

    A certain back up middle linebacker with the Eagles is probably available??? I bet he is humbled now.

  2. AlabamaBucsFan Says:

    I highly doubt Licht drafts another inside linebacker in the first round after the production we got from Devin White. Licht found SirVocea Dennis in the 5th round and I think he’ll try to do the same next year. I don’t see the team pick up a LB until round 3.

  3. BillyBucco Says:

    Just play Antonio Grier JR. He had a great camp and preseason. Sometimes these guys are better at one thing and you can live with it. Wouldn’t surprise me if Bowles dials up a rotation and he picks off a pass. Chucky has no idea who Antonio Grier is. Also, Bowles has done way better this year just trusting the coaching and next man up mentality. We might also see a ton of dime with Whitehead acting as the man in the box which is essentially another LB.

  4. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    Say, which MLB looks like a good prospect at 32?

  5. A Bucs Fan Says:

    If Britt is used in coverage more than any other player the Bucs lose this game. He’s got no speed. I am not sure JJ Russell is good in coverage. Hope Grier Jr. is mentally prepared and the game isn’t too big for him. He has similar size to SirVocea and LVD but is a tick faster.

  6. Jack Says:

    So weird to see Chucky slowly creeping back onto the scene. There’s no way he’s actually gonna land a head coaching gig…right?

  7. David Says:

    I’ve been saying since the draft the ILB is really thin and KJ is good, but doesn’t have the speed.

  8. A Bucs Fan Says:

    LB Troy Anderson is out for Atl. Bucs will have a huge opportunity to get the run and screen game going. TE’s could have a big day too.

  9. StickinUp4Centers Says:

    Drafting an ILB in 2025 yes. 1st round depends if the value is there. If an Edge, DT, WR, or G that is more talented go BPA

  10. Crickett Baker Says:

    I love to see Joe linking Chucky’s stuff. Interestingly, he did not pick a winner.

  11. go dawgs Says:

    great breakdown from gruden

  12. 813BUCBOI Says:

    licht better not draft a MLB in the 1st round lol….heck i dont want to see a MLB drafted until the 4thround imo….

    licht needs to do the same thing he’s done the pass 2 drafts….draft trenches with our 1st 2 picks

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  13. Joe in Michigan Says:

    Bobby Says:
    October 2nd, 2024 at 1:50 pm
    A certain back up middle linebacker with the Eagles is probably available??? I bet he is humbled now.
    ^^^^^^
    You seem to be forgetting the part about that guy not being very good at football for the last few years. Not worth the trouble, for sure.

  14. Scotty Mack Says:

    Seems to me like the Bucs might need to devote the entire draft to defensive players. We’re pretty thin almost everywhere on D.

  15. LakelandBuc Says:

    It’s not like we will be missing a Ray Lewis or a Dick Butkus. If the Bucs give Antonio Grier Jr some playing time, he might have better production than Dennis. JJ Russell seems like another KJ Britt, a good tackler WHEN he gets his hands on you. But get Lost In Space, cause he too slow…

  16. Chief Says:

    If they do take an ILB, Danny Stutsman out of Oklahoma would be the guy. He’s an animal.

  17. LakelandBuc Says:

    The last time we drafted a LB in the 1st round, it was Devin White .

    There were some pretty good DT/DE/OLB on the board when we drafted Devin White. That’s why l hate he wasn’t a keeper.

    Josh Allen
    Ed Oliver
    Rashan Gary
    Christian Wilkins
    Brian Burns
    Dexter Lawrence
    Jeffrey Simmons
    .ontez Sweat

  18. LakelandBuc Says:

    **Montez Sweat

  19. Bucfan1988 Says:

    Does anybody know Bijan Robinsons status for game tomorrow nite?? He’s been dealing with hamstring entry earlier this week…

  20. John Sinclear Says:

    Isn’t it just a LITTLE bit early to be talking the 2025 draft? It’s like me making out my shopping list for Christmas, 2025. I’d like to at least get past the bowl games before talking 2025 draft!

  21. Sheen Says:

    Why do people keep bringing up DW???
    He’s benched with Philly for a reason…idk if it’s true but I read he got popped for a drug test after the last game he didn’t even play in.

  22. LakelandBuc Says:

    Bijan is out tomorrow night

  23. Bucfan1988 Says:

    LakelandBuc, that’s a damn shame 🤭

  24. unbelievable Says:

    Yup, I said this on Sunday. We’re gonna miss SVD.

    Britt is slow and limited

  25. Bucfan1988 Says:

    LakelandBuc, just saw Falcons injury report today.

    Bijan was a full-go in practice today…..

    You sure about this?
    Where did you get confirmation from?

  26. Woodenman Says:

    Man we are 4 games in and people are talking about the draft WTF. Why are we worried about MLB that is not going to help us this year.

  27. LakelandBuc Says:

    Bijan says he ready to go tomorrow night. But the Falcons haven’t confirmed anything yet. But l read another report saying he was out .

  28. LakelandBuc Says:

    We won’t know anything definitely until tomorrow, or maybe later today

  29. adam from ny Says:

    current situation:

    craving some poppy seed bread over here…

    knock on wood if you’re with me !

  30. Bucfan1988 Says:

    Well hope Bijan’s hammy gets a little stiff on him tomorrow 🙂

  31. LakelandBuc Says:

    It’s probably a game time decision

  32. A Bucs Fan Says:

    I’m not concerned about Bjian , falcons fans want him benched. The real RB in Atl is Tyler Allgeier averaging over 6 yards per carry.

  33. Cobraboy Says:

    Casuals forget No White, No Lombardi.

    Yeah, he’s a nutcase but he helped win a SB.

    Should he come back? At what price?

  34. J Says:

    Licht, Bowles and Coen must know how important this win is on a short week, and should have our players prepared. We win this game and ATL as well as Saints are on a short week. If they lose those games Tampa takes out Saints, we will be in very good shape.

  35. Leopold Stotch Says:

    I thought the depth at ILB this year’s draft produced was very deep and I was pounding the table for one. Disappointed we didn’t and hopefully it doesn’t bite us badly. Definitely need Corner and ILB for draft, but for now… Next man up

  36. A Bucs Fan Says:

    @Cobra, you forget LVD, JPP, Suh and Shaq covered for his butt. He was a one trick pony who, thankfully, played up to his potential for three whole games during the Bucs SB run.

  37. Defense Rules Says:

    Joe … ‘Inside linebacker is a very thin Bucs position. God forbid if anything happens to Lavonte David.’

    Please don’t type that again Joe. It never fails that every time I hear an announcer on TV say ‘This guy hasn’t missed and Extra Point all season’, you know what’s gonna happen. Yup, next one goes far left and the announcer gets chastised for tempting fate.

    Yes we are VERY thin at ILB Joe, but we started the season that way. Didn’t have to be that way, but noooo … we decided to roll with what we had in stock instead of adding a veteran ILB to solidify our depth.

    Two possible solutions (guys familiar with the Bucs). One of course involves trading for Devin White. A meal or 2 of humble pie can certainly change one’s attitude. The other is Kwon Alexander (he’s currently on Denver’s Practice Squad). Played 2022 with the NY Jets (17 games – 559 def snaps) and 2023 with the Steelers (9 games – 362 def snaps). Still only 30 years old.

  38. Cobraboy Says:

    @A Bucs Fan: I do not forget. I am no White fanboi, but recognize No White, No SB.

    Please, please, no Red Rooster..

  39. Winny Testaverde Says:

    From the most coveted head coach in the league…to media MNF darling…triumphant return to the Raiders…now YouTube “sensation”. You can tell he misses the action so much. He was done a bit dirty…got a little too far out over his skis in the cocky dept., unfortunately. I don’t see a path back into the NFL in any official capacity.

  40. A Bucs Fan Says:

    @Cobraboy – Fair.

  41. Hodad Says:

    Dennis never played enough to make a difference. If he was any good, why was he being paltooned with Britt? I don’t remember Nickerson, or Lewis, or any MLB starter worth their salt not being on the field for every snap. Want the truth about Dennis? Grier out played him in the preseason, because Grier wasn’t injured like China doll Dennis was all preseason. Now he lasted 3 games as a part timer. His legend grows the more he doesn’t play for some reason.

  42. Pelsbuc61 Says:

    Dennis and Kancey are never reliable to actually play. Both are wasted picks.

  43. Capt.Tim Says:

    Denis looks like he could be an all star, if he could just stay healthy.
    But he can’t.
    Agree Joe. Very early pick will be a linebacker.
    And that’s a good thing.we need a young beast patrolling the field.
    Drafting linebackers always makes me Happy.

  44. Saskbucs Says:

    ILB, DL, and G are gonna be top of the draft list needs in the spring. Followed by CB, TE and WR will become a need especially if we lose Godwin.

  45. FortMyersDave Says:

    The Bucs could be drafting an RT in the first round of the 2025 draft if Goedeke is done which is now a possibility.

  46. Rod Munch Says:

    For the love of God, go get Devin White. He should cost almost nothing, already knows the defense, and can step in and be the starter immediately.

    It is unbelievable how the team refuses to address huge concerns at MLB and RT but yet they’ll bring in a new punter.

  47. Joe Says:

    For the love of God, go get Devin White. He should cost almost nothing, already knows the defense, and can step in and be the starter immediately.

    It is unbelievable how the team refuses to address huge concerns at MLB and RT but yet they’ll bring in a new punter.

    Joe is speechless at this. LOL

  48. Dave Pear Says:

    If you haven’t seen Chucky’s latest installment previewing TNF Bucs at Falcons — it is a must watch. Entertaining and also so knowledgable and deep. The ending is the best part!

  49. Stillabucsfan Says:

    If Luke doesn’t get healthy we will probably be picking a tackle in the first round next year.

  50. ATLBUC Says:

    Jack Says:
    October 2nd, 2024 at 2:06 pm
    So weird to see Chucky slowly creeping back onto the scene. There’s no way he’s actually gonna land a head coaching gig…right?

    Maybe he will go to the Gators 🐊!!

  51. ATLBUC Says:

    Rod Munch Says:
    October 2nd, 2024 at 7:49 pm
    For the love of God, go get Devin White. He should cost almost nothing, already knows the defense, and can step in and be the starter immediately

    He can’t even crack the game day roster in Philly. He’s been a healthy scratch all 4 games

  52. Booger Says:

    If Deone Walker is there (which he prob won’t be in the late 20’s), I’m taking HIM. 💯. Looks like we can’t have enough depth there, right now! I’m extending Vea to a ‘team-friendly’ & making a run (and loading up on the O-Line, signing a Top-5 level Guard) for at least next season, & then trading Vea during the 2026 offseason. I can’t STAND letting talent just walk (with good value)… Same with Godwin & Evans. I say you go ‘All-In’ for 2025 and maybe again in 2026, at this point!!!! Then, re-sign Baker to ‘team friendly’ and draft a QB (maybe even in ‘26, if in position to do so), let him sit for a year, then move Baker and his ‘team friendly’ contract for some nice picks. That’s my thinking for right now, today! Now, of course, that could ALL change pretty quick to being, “Let’s Blow-It All Up NOW.” Hahaha

  53. Rod Munch Says:

    ATLBUC Says:
    He can’t even crack the game day roster in Philly. He’s been a healthy scratch all 4 games

    ———

    He was their starter all offseason and in the preseason, then hurt his ankle. He missed the last game due to ‘personal’ issues. During the game he retweeted David sacking and causing a fumble of Hurts.

    I don’t really care what he’s done in Philly, I know for a fact he’s better than Britt who is too slow to play in the NFL. Also the Bucs have ZERO depth at MLB and are bringing up guys off the practice squad.

    If White doesn’t want to come back or the Eagles think they can extort some high pick, that I get, but he should be available for probably a conditional 7th in 2039 at this point – and he’s on a cheap deal – and obviously, at the very least, he’s still friends with David. This should be a no brainer.

  54. Badbucs Says:

    @Saskbucs. Yes 2 of each please and at least 1 edge. Draft or FA.

  55. BucU Says:

    “”””Dennis and Kancey are never reliable to actually play. Both are wasted picks.””

    They BOTH are BUSTS. They should start looking into gaining employment outside of NFL football.

  56. BucU Says:

    Joe, How about digging deep for the real story on why Geodeke and Kancey can not get back on the field when the same injury for their peers around the league come back in half the time or less. If you can’t get the real story from Bowles use your connections and get somebody in the damn organization to tell you WTF is going on here. Those are the 2 biggest stories in Buccaneer land yet we have next to ZERO information on how they got hurt and why after more than a month they’re still not able to play. Something is very wrong here.

  57. admin Says:

    Joe, How about digging deep for the real story on why Geodeke and Kancey can not get back on the field when the same injury for their peers around the league come back in half the time or less

    First, there are no such things as the same concussion. Nor is Joe’s neurosurgeon.

    Same to a lesser degree with Kancey. Each injury to each player is different. If you are suggesting Kancey is dogging it, you don’t know how hard that guy busted his balls (and spent his own money) to get better. Nor is Joe an orthopedic surgeon.

    Sadly, humans are not Ford vehicles where we know it takes X-hours to replace a fender and the rig is back on the road good as new.

  58. orlbucfan Says:

    What’s with all the yapping about the draft? This ain’t the 1980s Bucs. Yeah, they have injuries cos it comes with the territory. Gruden made his NFL bed, now he’s gotta lay in it. He’s a millionaire so he’s not hurting. Let the injured guys heal, that’s why you have backups. And, between worthless White and Kwon Alexander, I’d take 30 y.o. Kwon in a heartbeat.

  59. Biggun Says:

    Enjoying Grudens show very informative and entertaining Chucky style! He’s still one of my favorite Bucs coaches. GO BUCS!

  60. BucU Says:

    “”First, there are no such things as the same concussion. Nor is Joe’s neurosurgeon.””

    That’s very true however I can’t remember a player getting a concussion and still not getting cleared after 4 weeks. That’s my point. As for Kancey I don’t doubt he WANTS to be playing. The point is he’s NOT 5 weeks into the calf injury he got supposedly on the Friday walk thru before the first reg season game.
    Bowles tells you guys NOTHING at every press conference on their progress or lack there of. I thought it was YOUR job to get information to very pertinent questions about the health of 2 stars whether Bowles is spillingthe beans or not. There’s other sources I’m sure you have inside the organization.
    It’s unbelievable that we can’t get any information on these guys.

  61. Joe Says:

    BucU:

    The point is he’s NOT 5 weeks into the calf injury he got supposedly on the Friday walk thru before the first reg season game.

    First, getting anyone in the NFL to spill the beans about an injury or injuries is pulling teeth. Second, Kancey may — keyword, “may” because not even a doctor has a crystal ball — be out a couple of more weeks.

    (“May” doesn’t necessarily mean “will.”)

    Last year Kancey blew out his calf in a non-contract drill. That happened in the first week of training camp. He tried to come back maybe six weeks later, played 11 plays and re-injured it or had a setback, whatever you want to call it. In short, he was on the field too soon.

    If you factor in all the time he missed last year with a calf injury, that was 2 1/2 months, from July 30 until Oct. 15 when he played against the Lions. Except for 11 plays.

    So if you give Kancey the same timetable as he missed last year, you’re looking at maybe he returns for the San Francisco game or the first game after the bye, against the Giants.

    That is, *if* Kancey has the exact same injury and *if* he has the exact same rehab program and *if* he doesn’t have a setback… if… if… if…

    Knowing how he spent the offseason going to camps and working out with anyone who he thought would help him (Warren Sapp, GMC, Brian Baldinger, etc., ect.) Joe is confident no one is more p!ssed he can’t get on the field than Kancey and no one is chomping at the bit to get on the field more than Kancey.

    It seems you are looking for a simplistic answer to a complex issue and there isn’t a simple answer, and rarely is when it comes to an injury. As for Goedeke, hey look in Miami, Dolphins aren’t positive Tua even comes back before Thanksgiving. And he’s not a right tackle.

    Everyone’s body is different. Some people aren’t injury prone, some are. Some are vulnerable to a certain kind of injury, others are vulnerable to a very different type of injury, still others not at all. Everyone heals differently. Players aren’t robots. Injuries aren’t treatable like replacing an auto part.

    Joe does know each Bucs player seems to have a specific workout regime developed and crafted by trainers (who have a much deeper knowledge of medicine than Joe) to try to keep them healthy and on the field. Joe sees these players weigh in every time he’s in the locker room. They each individually have a weight target.

    If you want to argue that Kancey’s workout routine is wrong or that he should only go through contact drills since both of his calves were blown in non-contact drills, that seems logical if not crazy. LOL But Joe gets it.

  62. RamblingRhino Says:

    Hey, John Sinclear. Why should the Joe’s wait until Halloween and the “Bucs having a bad season”?? No matter if we are “Four dash One”. When they can add to the excitement of the Bucs being the leader of the NFC South Division and playing a Divisional game with draft dribble…..

    Go!!! BUCS!!!!!

  63. BucU Says:

    Fair enough Joe. We’ll just hope we get Luke and Kancey back sooner rather than later.